First, a gas tax is highly regressive and disproportionately impacts the poor. Second, according to Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, who (unlike The Sun) actually knows all the financial details of the state, we already have ample tax revenues in Maryland, which is one the highest-taxed states in the nation.

Third, the state needs to focus on creating an environment that encourages private sector investment and the creation of jobs. Fourth, we know that higher taxes are coming from the federal level, and the state and city piggyback on many of these.

The Sun should analyze the states where private sector jobs and private investment are growing. I am sure you will note that these are states with lower, not higher, tax rates.

This fall, Maryland voters will have a constitutional amendment on the ballot of interest to all state residents, taxpayers and drivers: Question 1, which will create a "lockbox" for state transportation funds.

As of late last week, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in the Baltimore area hovered around $2.71, about six cents below the national average and a few pennies less than a week ago. One year ago, the average was $3.52. And where are gasoline prices headed in September?...

The top transportation official in the state has ordered an immediate inspection of 27 aging bridges. This announcement comes after a slab of concrete from an I-495 overpass struck a car in Prince George's County ("Md. to inspect aging bridges," Feb. 13).

For nearly six years America has not had a long-term transportation bill. While Congress has bickered and passed short-term patchwork bills, our nation's roads, bridges and public transit systems have deteriorated. Moreover, projects to modernize and expand our transportation infrastructure have...

In your editorial, "Congress on the clock" (April 13), you talk about the federal Highway Trust Fund going bankrupt unless Congress acts to raise taxes. Motorists deserve better highways and bridge repair, but the truth is not all of the tax money motorists pay goes to build or repair roads or...

It is my understanding that Maryland's transportation infrastructure is in serious need of maintenance. If that is the case, what could possibly be the point of reducing the tolls on our highways, other than to make political capital ("Panel expected to OK toll reductions," May 7)?